Key Takeaways:
– The Houston Astros are maintaining a positive outlook despite having a rocky start this season.
– New York Mets’ Pete Alonso has emerged as a potential short-term trade consideration for the Astros.
– Despite current pitching woes, the Astros may surprisingly look to beef up their offense.
– Houston may be able to secure Alonso at a cost-effective rate due to his impending free agency.
– Alonso’s next contract is predicted to be worth $263 million over eight years, though it remains a future concern for the Astros.
Dodging Season’s Hurdles, Astros Remain Hopeful
Despite jeopardizing injuries in their pitching roster, the Houston Astros continue their stride. The team hit a low point at 12-24 on May 8, but demonstrated resilience by racking up a 16-11 win record since then. This rebound, coupled with their extensive history of playoff appearances, highlights the team’s capacity to recover from obstacles. The Astros, however, are still trailing seven games below .500, and recently acknowledged that their starters, Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy, would miss the rest of the season due to elbow surgeries.
Astros’ Potential Gambit on Power Hitters
In the light of the team’s predicament, sources suggest that the Astros may look beyond just filling in their pitching slots. The team is reportedly considering Mets star, Pete Alonso, to enhance their batting prowess. Alonso, a three-time All-Star, has an impressive career profile, making him a valuable addition to the Astros. The slugger currently boasts 14 home runs and 31 RBI, despite a recently diminished cohort productivity due to Mets’ poor season start.
Why Pete Alonso Could be a Good Fit for the Astros
Described as ‘the biggest name in the trade market’, Alonso has garnered praise for his consistent performance and reliability. His preference for playing first base aligns with the Astros’ team dynamics, as their current first baseman, Jose Abreu, has another year to go. However, whether Abreu will be able to deliver results is still uncertain. Alonso has been conspicuously consistent, with only 24 missed games in five MLB seasons. He led the league with 53 home runs in his rookie year and has driven in over 40 home runs in subsequent seasons.
Astros Could Benefit from Alonso’s Signing
Securing Alonso could come at a comparatively economical price due to his nearing free agency status. With Abreu and Jon Singleton delivering below par hitting stats, Alonso could well be a much-needed upgrade in the Astros’ first baseman slot. While Alonso’s prospective contract could be a whooping eight-year, $263 million deal, the Astros are more focused on the immediate: keeping the team competitive over the swelling list of injuries. It is speculated that the Astros might keep Alonso onboard only temporarily for the much-desired offensive boost.
In conclusion, while the Astros’ interest in Alonso might seem counter-intuitive considering their pitching woes, it could be an astute strategic move. By betting on an offensively skilled player like Alonso, the team could very well have a fighting chance in the current season.